TOMMY SANDERS PASSES AWAY
by Judy Kay-Wolff on
December 12th, 2011
I regret to report I have received several emails and calls that our beloved Tommy Sanders died last evening. I know it was not sudden as he had been ailing for a while. You will be reading more about his great contributions both bridge-wise and in the field of administration. Tommy was a typical Southern gentleman and an extraordinary credit to the game.
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He was a great competitor and a great gentleman. I can remember no scarier pair to play against in a matchpoint event than Barry Crane and Tommy Sanders. I am glad I got to spend a few minutes with him in Nashville when the NABC was last there.
Some friends have asked for Carol Sanders’ address to express condolences:
201 Brook Hollow Road
Nashville, Tn 37221
Judy,
Tommy Sanders was the president during my first tour with the ACBL. I had my ups and downs with the various members of the the then Board, but no one allowed me to be more up that Tommy and his wife Carol. I certainly didn’t look the part of an ACBL PR rep, T-Shirt and baseball cap and all. But Tommy made me feel welcome and needed. It’s easy to remark favourably about somebody who treated you with grace and support, but I’m just one of many who experienced the same thing.
My sympathies go out to Carol and all who counted Tommy amongst their friends. Which was just about everybody he ever met. God Bless.
Dear Gary:
I enjoyed your personal approach to Tommy and the way he conducted himself. I met him back in about ’63 or ’64 after Sidney Silodor passed on and left partnerless. Norman and Tommy agreed to play in the Trials and I hosted (and fell in love with) this strange (unknown) man who came to Philly to practice with Norman and slept on my living room sofa. Memories!
Hard to believe its over 45 years ago.
I just heard from Frank Stewart who had the following to say:
Friday I went to Tom Sanders’ memorial service in Nashville. Carol looked okay, but weak and in discomfort. I was grateful to see her, although the circumstances were sad. Tommy was a great friend of mine.
It sounds like many were there to pay last regards to someone who loved the game and did a lot for bridge along with his lovely, Carol.
Way cool! Some extremely valid points! I appreciate you penning this write-up and the rest of the website is also really
good.
Hi Chanel:
When I first read your comment, I thought you were referring to my current blog on What Determines Excellence. Then, I looked up and saw it was referring to our wonderful friend, Tommy Sanders. In any event, thanks for your kind assessment.
Judy